Main navigation

How to Unlock Samsung Galaxy S6

Do you need to unlock your phone because it is tied to a different service provider? As long as you meet certain requirements, all major carriers will help you out with this. Learn about the requirements for each specific carrier in Method 1. But what if you don’t fit that mold?

You can also purchase an unlock code. Many third-party vendors will assist you with this. Methods 2-4 detail some trusted websites and the information you will need to provide. These methods are not free, but can still save you more money than purchasing an unlocked phone.

If you are looking to unlock a pattern lock, this article talks about unlocking an Android phone. If a locked SIM card is your issue, we can help you with that during the following methods.

Time: Up to 48 hours

Method 1: Ask the Carrier to Unlock Your Phone

If your S6 is designed to work on a specific network, you can contact the carrier the phone is locked to and request unlocking instructions. They will give you a code to enter when you insert the SIM card of another carrier into your phone. It is typical for the carrier to require a few days before they provide the code. This shows you how to unlock Samsung Galaxy S6 for free.

Call the carrier.

New rules implemented in February 2015 with the help of the CTIA assure that carriers will work with you. These rules are voluntary, but all of the big five U.S. carriers have agreed to enhanced disclosure, notice of eligibility, a standardized short(er) response time, uniform pre-paid and post-paid unlocking guidelines, and a special policy for deployed military personnel.

There are requirements that you must meet for your specific carrier to assist you in this process. The most universal include:

The phone must not be reported lost or stolen, or be tied to any fraudulent activity.

The phone and/or any contract associated with the phone will more than likely have to be paid in full.

Other Carrier Specific Requirements:

AT&T

AT&T will only unlock phone designed for use on its networks. Its website does offer an online request form. For the full list of requirements and access to the form, go to AT&T’s website here.

Verizon

Verizon actually does not lock most of its phones. The exceptions are the non-iPhone 3G World Devices. These devices can be unlocked using the code “000000” or “123456.” If you have more questions about Verizon’s requirements, you can find information here.

Sprint

Remember those CTIA rules we mentioned earlier? Phones launched after the month these rules were enacted, February 2015 will be unlocked automatically when they become eligible. Therefore, it is quite likely that you Samsung Galaxy S6 is either already unlocked, or you will receive a text message or other notification when it’s eligible to be unlocked. Unlocking may not enable all functionality. For more information, go here.

T-Mobile

You are going to need to reach out to T-Mobile. Even then, your request may not be honored if your device hasn’t been active for 40 days or more, or for a year if it’s a prepaid phone. At least a $100 refill will be necessary. For these and more requirements, go to this website.

Note: U.S phones are compatible on Canadian networks. If you are going out of the country for a short time, you can probably find a pre-paid SIM. Regardless, if your phone is locked, you will still have to unlock it first.

Attain the unlock code from the carrier.

You will also want to gather some information.

These are the things you may need:

Obtain the account holder’s name and account number

The IMEI/MEID of your device

IMEI

You can dial *#06#

It can also be found in “About Device” located in “Settings.” Tap on “Status.”

If you still have the packaging, look for a sticker that states the IMEI/MEID.

Your phone number

Military deployment paperwork, if applicable.

Insert the new SIM card.

Eject and pull out the SIM card tray.

Place the activated Nano-SIM card onto the tray with the gold contacts facing down.

Slide the tray back into its slot, and press firmly to ensure it’s in place.

Enter the unlock code.

Job done.

How did this work for you?

Unlocking the Samsung Galaxy S6 is for sale. Some companies and individuals purchase these unlock codes to sell to the public. If you don’t meet the requirements of the carrier, this method might be your best bet. Prices can range from about $2 to approximately $50.

Why would you ever not go for the $2 price? You are most likely to find prices like that on sites like eBay. It is possible to get burned on eBay, although, in my experience, it doesn’t happen very often. However, when it does, you might not get your money back.

The pricier services might go the extra mile to ensure that the code actually reaches you and that it is sent quickly. It is possible to have the worst of both worlds—a high price and you never receive the code—so do your research. Pay attention to the turnaround time for the code to be sent, what support the service offers if you experience issues, and what type of recourse is available if you never receive the code. Look at reviews and forums for what experiences others have had using these services.

Visit mobileunlocked.com.

Select the make and model from the drop-down options.

Choose your country.

This one is for tax purposes.

Select the country the phone is locked to.

Specify the network.

At this point, you will receive the message: “Sorry we cannot unlock at this time” or “Final Price. “

Provide your first name, email address, and IMEI.

Read and agree to Terms and Conditions.

Note that all support is via email during office hours.

Also, there’s a money back guarantee as long as all criterion are met.

Press the “Unlock Now” button.

Input payment information.

How did this work for you?

Method 3: Purchase a Third-Party Unlocking Code Using Cellunlock.net

Another trusted website is www.cellunlock.net. They can help you unlock your phone with ease.

Go to www.cellunlock.net.

Select the brand of your phone.

Choose the model.

Select the carrier.

The website will display more information specific to your phone as well as a description of their services. Your code will be emailed. It might also be useful for you to see that you will now be able to use prepaid SIM cards during your travels to save on roaming charges.

Choose the payment option that corresponds to your own country and press the “Add to cart” button.

In this instance, I will have to select between the United States and Canada.

Ensure your order information is correct, apply any coupon code you may have, and hit the “Proceed to Checkout” button.

Enter your billing information.

There is also an option to register, which might not be a bad idea if you will want to use this service in the future.

Enter your phone’s information and the provider/country it is locked to.

You will also need to agree to terms and conditions. They do offer a 100% guarantee, but it is your responsibility to provide the correct information. They also explain that some devices may require a SIM card from the new carrier. If you exceed the limited number of attempts to input the code on some devices, this could result in no refund.

If your phone is already hard-locked (you have 0 attempts left to enter the code) or you have fewer than five attempts left, you could be at risk of losing your refund. Therefore, do NOT try random codes.

Choose your shipping method.

Provide payment information.

How did this work for you?

Conclusion

If you meet carrier guidelines, you might as well have your phone unlocked free by contacting the original carrier of your phone. If you are in a hurry, and it is worth it to you to pay to have your phone unlocked, consider Methods 2 and 3. And finally, if you do not meet carrier guidelines, you will need to use either Method 2 or 3.

We hope that through reading this article you have seen how you can regain SIM card freedom. For those of you who can’t access the menus, we have a walkthrough for unlocking an Android with a broken screen.

Do you have something to add about unlocking the SIM? Tell us about it below.